Welcome to Music Haven! A site for music lovers and collectors of rare music CDs, vinyls and music stuff in general. Here you'll find insights into the current music scene as well as many rare items from my personal collection. Enjoy!

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Rarities #13: Oasis Be Here Now Autographed Box Set (1997)

This is an autographed copy of Oasis' Be Here Now album, signed by the guys themselves when they set foot on our sunny shores for the concert last year.

The box is quite big, larger than the size of a Laserdisc (if you even remember how big that is, or what it is). The front and back cover art are the same as the CD version. What's different is the booklet that's enclosed inside. It's a picture book showing the band in action during the recording of the album.

Be Here Now was a highly, highly-anticipated album from Oasis, following the enormous success of their previous album, (What's The Story) Morning Glory?. Be Here Now was released on 21 August 1997, Thursday (which is featured on the cover art), instead of the traditional Monday release.

The album still holds the record for the fastest-selling album in UK history, selling 423,000 units on its first day alone! While it was commercially successful, critics didn't respond to it as well as their previous efforts. Noel himself didn't like the record, and none of the tracks from Be Here Now were included in their 2006 compilation Stop The Clocks.

Nevertheless, the album still spawned two UK #1 singles D'You Know What I Mean? and All Around The World. Stand By Me was another huge hit (a favourite for cover bands) and it hit UK #2. A fourth single, Don't Go Away, was released in Japan only.

Be Here Now might have been a blip in their career but what's important is that they have picked up since then. Oasis is one of the remaining UK bands that have lasted for more than 10 years now. Hope their recent revival is not another short burst of inspiration.